A set of six Australian sterling silver souvenir spoons, made by W.J Sanders and retailed by Hardy Bros Ltd. The spoons are coffee spoon size, and have cast finials, 2 kangaroo, 2 koala and 2 kookaburra. The spoons have an attractive cross hatch design to the lower stems, overall they have a lovely arts and crafts feel, we believe they were made by hand. An identical spoon with Koala finial can be seen in the MAAS museum collection, it was part of the Cavill collection. The spoons are all clearly hallmarked with retailers mark "HBrs" for Hardy Brothers, and STG sterling mark. This mark can be seen in the book "Marks on Australian Silver 1950-2005" by Christine Erratt, page 100, which explains this mark was used by WJ Sanders manufacturing for Hardy. The original box reads "By Appointment to her Majesty the Queen, Silversmiths, Hardy Bros Ltd, Jewellers, Australia, Made in England".WJ Sanders was a Birmingham based silversmith who emigrated to Australia in 1911, his business became one of Sydney's leading man...

An Arts and Crafts silver wine label engraved WHISKEY, made by hand by the Guild of Handicraft, the Harts of Chipping Campden. The label is planished (hand hammered), is rectangular with rounded corners, and has an attractive hand engraved border of scrolls and dots. The Whiskey has been engraved by hand as well, the individual hammer strokes visible. The label has 2 eyelets on top, also hand made, and silver chain. The hallmarks are clear, including G of H makers mark.

A rare arts and crafts silver spoon, possibly a jam spoon, made for the iconic Liberty's department store in London. The spoon is very unusual, with a design and decoration we have not seen before. The spoon is hand made, and has a very heavy gauge, this is a lovely spoon to hold and use. The spoon has a "knob" on the stem, which adds to the attractiveness but which also has a practical use in increasing the grip. The engraved decoration is very simple floral design, the circles have been punched in. The small circles, both on the handle and in the bowl, were used to simulate rivets. The hallmarks are very clear, the L&Co makers mark in diamond punch is clear but slightly worn. The spoon also has it's own unique design number, 2339, perhaps some-one with access to the Liberty archives will be able to do further research. It is also interesting to note that this spoon was made early on during the First World War, before production was diverted to the war effort. Liberty used his shop to showcase the work of le...

A rare Georg Jensen sterling silver # 42 pattern fork, this design has been called pea pod. The fork is hand hammered, with hammer marks visible, this is a lovely fork, exceptional quality. The fork has 4 tines, and at 14.5 cm length could be either a Child's fork, or small serving fork (ideal for cold cuts). The design is informally known as pea pod, but officially just called pattern # 42. The design is lovely, with 6 cast peas alongside a series of leaves, it has also incorrectly been described as "flattened magnolia". Georg Jensen himself produced this design in 1918, it is one of the "Numbered Ornamental Pieces" that were made in small quantities so not often found. It is depicted in the book "Georg Jensen A Traditional of Splendid Silver", by Janet Drucker, pages 290 and 291, we highly recommend this book. The hallmarks are clear, 42 (pattern number) above Georg Jensen in dotted oval, above "STERLING DENMARK".

An interesting silver spoon, made by the Leeds College of Art in 1953, to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The spoon is teaspoon size, has a curvilinear handle and is struck with a large coronation mark as key decoration on the front of the spoon, this was an optional hallmark. The spoon is clearly hand made, the bowl and drop a little wonky, so perhaps made by an apprentice. The hallmarks are clear, including makers mark LCA for Leeds College of Art. Leeds College of Art, which still exists today, had a good reputation for silver in the 1950's and early 1960's (Source Designer British Silver, Andrew & Styles, page 372). Silver by Leeds College of Arts is scarce, occasional pieces assayed at Sheffield with the LCA sponsors mark appear on the secondary market (we have seen a few examples on the internet, spoons, beakers and a gravy boat). In addition to being a rare Leeds College of Art piece of silver, the use of the large optional coronation hallmark as decoration is also unusual. Du...

An early Georg Jensen silver spoon in the Continental pattern, also called Antik pattern, made in 1927, The spoon is a lovely size and shape, and is is hand hammered, both on the back and front of the spoon bowl and the front of the handle. This is technically a "gumbo" spoon, a large spoon for Louisiana Gumbo, but is more suitable as a small serving spoon. The hallmarks are very clear, including the GJ over 830S makers and standard mark used between 1915-1930, and assay masters mark for Christian Heise (1904-1932). The third mark is the Danish three towers mark above 27 for 1927. The pattern is well described on the Scandinavian design website Fjorn (www.fjorn.com), as "Designed in 1906 by Georg Jensen, the Continental cutlery pattern was the first major cutlery range to emerge from the fledgling silversmithy that was established two years earlier in 1904. In designing Continental, Georg Jensen was inspired by the forms of traditional and centuries-old Nordic tools and implements. The lightly hammered surfac...

A Unidor sterling silver pendant, in Modernist style, circa 1970. The pendant is circular, the disc has been cut, folded and partly textured, and 17 silver balls of different sizes have been applied. The disc hangs from a long connecting rod, also with 4 balls, the pin has 2 arms similar to a hair-clip. The top of the pin has a connecting loop for a silver chain. The pin is hallmarked "925 UNIDOR", which is small but very clear. Unidor was a German jeweller operating from Pforzheim, the "Goldstadt" or Golden City, renowned for its jewellery industry.

A pair of Scottish Arts and Crafts silver napkin rings, with a wonderful planished (hand hammered) surface. The rings are a very pleasing quality and weight, and the condition is excellent. Both rings are clearly hallmarked with small hallmarks on the interior, one is 2003, the other 2006 but they match perfectly. The are also marked "STERLING 925". The rings are accompanied with original box marked "Eric N Smith Goldsmith Designer". Eric Smith was an award winning designer and Jeweller, based in Glasgow for over 50 years until his retirement in 2018. He also completed a project to restore the Glasgow hallmark in 2013, which had not been used since 1963.

An interesting hand crafted silver spoon, made to commemorate the 500 Anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in 1977 by Gerald Benney, one of the most influential British silversmiths of the second half of the 20th century. The spoon is a lovely shape, almost puritan in style, and is engraved with the coat of arms of the Carpenters company above the dates 1477 and 1977. The spoon is the size of a large teaspoon, these were awarded as gifts to Liverymen. The coat of arms can be read as "a field silver, a chevron sable (black) grailed and three compasses of the same", the compasses represent carpenters tools and the chevron a roof support. The hallmarks are excellent, they could not be better, and include makers mark AGB in cojoined circles and Silver Jubilee mark used in 1977. Gerald Benney is included as one of the top 50 British silversmiths of his era in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985", pgs 86-105, by Andrew & Pearson, a book we highly recommend. He is the only British silversmith ...

An Arts & Crafts silver caddy spoon, with a round bowl, curved fish tail handle, and planished (hand hammered) finish. A very similar caddy spoon is depicted in the book "The Caddy Spoon in the 20th Century", page 15, illustration d, which was made by George Hart of the Guild of Handicraft in 1977 (our spoon lacks the thread decoration). The spoon is clearly hallmarked for London 1963, with makers mark W.H.W. for William Henry Warmington (Harry). Harry Warmington was "an integral member of the Guild of Handicraft workshop for some 50 years, he was one of the best silversmiths to have worked in Campden, he was also a fine engraver. Despite his abilities, he never applied to become a Freeman of the Goldsmith's Company", quote from the book "The Harts of Chipping Campden, pg 31. Harry was recruited by George Hart in 1912 from the local grammar school, he joined the infantry in 1914 on the outbreak of World War I, then the Royal Flying Corps in 1916, he was based at Farnborough at an aircraft repair depot, he rej...

An interesting pair of cast silver acorn spoons, very good quality, with lovely naturalistic detail. The spoons have cast acorn bowls, the bowls are quite deep, the stems are modelled as a textured branch with nodes of baby acorns, the finial is also an acorn between 2 leaves. With the texture these spoons are pleasing to hold, they could be used for condiments, they could also be used as coffee spoons (although they are quite long). The hallmarks on both spoons are very clear, including makers mark G.W in diamond punch for Graham Watling. Watling began his career as a Royal Marine Commando, then moved to teaching Arts & Crafts, before becoming a silversmith around 1970, based in the National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire. He died in 1996, his children have continued the business in Lacock (www.watlings.com). Watling is represented by no less than 8 pieces in the Pearson Collection of post war British silver (www.pearsonsilvercollection.com), a testament of his ability. Watling features in the newly pu...

A stunning sterling silver nurses belt buckle, complete with original silver clasp and original black petersham belt. The buckle is very interesting, it features a Viking longboat with lion prow, and a serpent sail, beneath 2 maple leaves, above motto "Ratione Dirige Cursom", translated "Pursue Proper Studies", or "Govern your Course by Reason". This is the coat of arms of University College Hospital London, blazoned "an ancient galley, charged with a serpent nowed and in chief two maple leafs slipped", it was granted in 1907. The belt buckle is clearly hallmarked for London 1934, made by Frederick Smythe-Greenwood and Herbert Alwyn Watts, who worked between 1914 and 1934. The clasp is also hallmarked. University College Hospital (UCH), previously called North London Hospital, is a teaching hospital still working today. It was founded in 1834, Agatha Christie was a staff member, and the first amputation under ether was performed here in 1846 by Robert Liston. The Cruciform building was built in 1907, still in...

A rare silver and green enamel annular brooch designed by Alexander Ritchie, the famous Iona silversmith. The brooch has a Gaelic inscription "A h-uile latha sona dhuit", translated "May all your days be happy". These brooches are traditional wedding presents to celebrate a marriage. The Alexander Ritchie website (see our links page) shows 2 similar brooches, one in blue and the other in red enamel, both are described as rare, they do not show a green enamel example. Ritchie began to use the Birmingham assay office in 1931, and he had close links to the Birmingham firm of Darby & Sons, who made items for him. After Ritchie's death in 1941, some of his original moulds were used by Darby until the 1950's, this is one of these (see Ritchie website). The hallmarks are small but visible, the pin is also hallmarked.

A fabulous modernist sterling silver bracelet, made by celebrated Danish silversmith Knut V. Andersen. The bracelet consists of 13 cast silver diamond shaped links, with a textured bark finish, the detail is lovely, both back and front. It is extremely well made, the quality is excellent, even to the screw fasterner which prevents the clasp from opening.. The hallmarks are clear, and include "Denmark S 925S KvA" for Knut Andersen, who worked in Copenhagen 1975-1989. Earlier in his career he worked for the famous firm of Anton Michelsen, he was the last designer employed by the firm. We love this bracelet.

A rare Iona silver scarf ring, in the Celtic Arts and Crafts style. The ring is very good quality, and has a classic Ritchie Viking longship motif, with celtic knotwork side panels, and terminals of wolf like celtic beasts. The ship is copied off an 11th century stone carving in Iona's Abbey museum, and the beasts are similar to those found in the Book of Kells. The hallmarks are very clear, "AR IONA" incuse, along with makers mark ICA (Iona Celtic Arts) and Birmingham hallmarks for 1934. Ritchie registered the ICA makers mark in 1931 in Birmingham. Alex Ritchie's work was inspired by the ancient Celtic and Viking carvings on Iona. He is regarded as one of the most respected and sought after Scottish silver jewellers of the 20th century. (All information courtesy of Alexander Ritchie website, see link on our links page. A similar scarf ring is shown on the website.)

A very interesting American sterling silver Arts & Crafts ladle, made by W. Depp in the 1950's. The ladle is the traditonal shape, but has 2 bars that join in a loop for the handle, with the base of the handle wrapped in a thick silver wire, we love this design! The bowl has been shaped by hand with a pouring lip on the side, so well suited for gravy, cream or even a toddy (the shape and size is very similar to Scottish silver toddy ladles). The ladle is clearly hallmarked with makers mark W Depp in a triangle (looks like V V rather than W), alongside "Hand Wrought" and "Sterling". W Depp is a mystery to us, he (or she) did produce some modernist hand wrought sterling silver jewellery, we have not been able to find any other flatware by this maker, or information about them (all assistance welcome).

A sterling silver wine taster made by Anthony Elson, one of the 50 leading silversmiths featured in the book "Designer British Silver 1930-1985" by Andrew and Styles, a book we highly recommend. The wine taster has the traditional circular bowl with raised base, and a lovely cast silver handle of textured vine branches, with some pruned ends. The handle is a delight to hold, the thumb rests easily and the grip is secure, so very suitable for use. The taster is clearly hallmarked, including makers mark A.G.E, and also has an engraved number 278 on the base (we know this taster was a limited edition commissioned by the Heritage Collection in 1976, so perhaps each is individually numbered). Anthony Gordon Elson trained under Dunstan Pruden, he worked for William Comyns from 1964-1968 before establishing his own operation, ecclesiastical goods and also limited editions for leading retailers, including Asprey, Spink, Hennell's and Garrards, this taster is one of these. After the boom (he had around 30 staff) creat...

A Dutch Arts & Crafts silver bowl, with hand hammered (planished) texture, which creates a very appealing finish. The bowl is circular, on a small base, with decorative band 2/3rd's of the way up (slightly wider here). The handles are circular, with tapered thumbpiece on top, with turn up at end for good grip. The top of the handles are planished as well. The bowl is very similar in shape and style to English porringers, but could also be used as a sugar bowl. The hallmarks are clear, Minerva mark with clear C for The Hague, Lion 835 standard mark, date letter Y for 1933 and makers mark V over moon for Zilverfabriek Voorschoten. This mark was used by Koninklijke Van Kempen & Begeer, founded in 1764 and still in existence today. This bowl would make an ideal Christening present.

An interesting Arts & Crafts silver 2 pronged fork, hallmarked by Harry Warmington of the Guild of Handicraft, run by the Hart's of Chipping Campden. The fork has 2 flat tines, with shaped ends replicating an earlier style, the handle has 2 bumps, similar to Scottish Fiddle pattern of the 18th century. The fork is hand hammered, as you would expect from this studio, with individual hammer marks visible, and is engraved with initial T (also done by hand). The fork has a pleasant feel, and would be very suitable for serving cold meats. Harry Warmington was "an integral member of the Guild of Handicraft workshop for some 50 years, he was one of the best silversmiths to have worked in Campden, he was also a fine engraver. Despite his abilities, he never applied to become a Freeman of the Goldsmith's Company",quote from the book "The Harts of Chipping Campden, pg 31. Harry was recruited by George Hart in 1912 from the local grammar school, he joined the infantry in 1914 on the outbreak of World War I, then the Roy...

A Danish silver Skonvirke (Arts & Crafts) cream ladle, made by the respected Danish silversmith Evald Nielsen in 1924. The ladle is the No 4 pattern, which has organic flowing scrolls in relief, so quite pleasing to hold. The ladle is hand hammered, with the planish marks visible in the bowl and the stem. The ladle has a flat circular bowl with a narrow lip, about 0.7 cm deep. The ladle is 830 grade silver, as is usual for Danish silver. The well struck hallmarks include "Evald Nielsen" in an attractive script, with "No 4" indicating pattern, date letter "ANNO 1924", the letter "S" surrounded by dots in shaped punch for silver, and "830" in oval punch surrounded by dots for grade of silver. Evald Nielsen worked between 1905 and 1958 from Copenhagen, he designed all his own designs (as opposed to his contemporary Georg Jensen). He won numerous awards internationally, and his silver can be seen in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan in New York, V&A in London, and Kunstmuseum in Denmark. Nielsen produ...